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Do you by any chance come from America? I don't mean this as an insult, but rather as a cultural thing that I noticed when I lived in America is that not once when I went shopping did the person behind the checkout counter ask me how I was and seem willing to actually have a conversation. It was all mere formality. Whereas, in Australia you can actually get a chatty 'checkout chick.' Or maybe it was just the area that I shopped at.
I don't even put the "and" in there. I just reply "Good. You?" or moreover "Good. Yourself?"
Must have been your area........although I admit they seem to say it more to those they know as regular customers.
I tend to do the "Good, you?" thing as well LOL, so maybe that IS an Aussie thing.
Do you by any chance come from America? I don't mean this as an insult, but rather as a cultural thing that I noticed when I lived in America is that not once when I went shopping did the person behind the checkout counter ask me how I was and seem willing to actually have a conversation.
I'm Norwegian, actually. In all my years living in Norway I can't recall ever being asked how I'm doing by for example a cashier, yet in Australia they ask it every single time, with no exception. A pox on your politeness and friendliness! I wonder if introverted Aussies ever wear t-shirts saying "Fine, thanks, and you?"
I thought this was a generic way to greet in the English speaking world.
Unique to Australia?
It sounds no different than Canada.
Asking how are you is almost expected, and at least here it isn't neccessarily meant as much, other than
"...I'm showing you some attention, but I hope nothing bad has happened to you lately..."
If it doesn't exist or is rare in the USA, perhaps it's a British trait that we inherited.
I think I'll just keep going with "Fine thanks" without any follow-up question. It seems so unnecessary and fake to ask someone how they are, if it's someone I don't know or care about. Seems likely that people I ask will only give me a senseless, fake answer in return in any case. Social rituals are so lame; perhaps I should just reply with "Shut up, slave!".
'Fine thanks' will be OK.
'Shut up slave' will get you blacklisted
I thought this was a generic way to greet in the English speaking world.
Unique to Australia?
It sounds no different than Canada.
Asking how are you is almost expected, and at least here it isn't neccessarily meant as much, other than
"...I'm showing you some attention, but I hope nothing bad has happened to you lately..."
If it doesn't exist or is rare in the USA, perhaps it's a British trait that we inherited.
It would seem rather abrupt & cold to not say Hi, how are you? or How ya going? before going about business. Just walk up to a counter and start ordering your goods/services? I don't think I've ever done that. Not here, Canada or the US.
It would seem rather abrupt & cold to not say Hi, how are you? or How ya going? before going about business. Just walk up to a counter and start ordering your goods/services? I don't think I've ever done that. Not here, Canada or the US.
In Norway it's uncommon to even say 'hi' to the cashier. You walk over and place your groceries on the counter. The cashier processes them. Then the cashier say "Bag?", followed by "Receipt?". Then you leave, after nodding yes or no.
In Norway it's uncommon to even say 'hi' to the cashier. You walk over and place your groceries on the counter. The cashier processes them. Then the cashier say "Bag?", followed by "Receipt?". Then you leave, after nodding yes or no.
Interesting. Quite different to here. Thanks for pointing that out
Different culture here though. You may wish to be a little more chatty or else be considered 'up yourself' or rude.
Interesting. Quite different to here. Thanks for pointing that out
Different culture here though. You may wish to be a little more chatty or else be considered 'up yourself' or rude.
funny as one of my best mates in Adelaide was from Norway and I met at least 6 other Norwegians.. they were friendly and chatty and had no worries responding. They adjusted just fine.
So Vichel.. How are you?
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